In a dramatic twist on Tuesday, the highly anticipated Egyptian Premier League derby between Zamalek and Ahly was called off on Tuesday after Ahly refused to take part in protest over match officiating.

The defending champions had threatened to withdraw from the league after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) dismissed their repeated requests for a postponement and the appointment of foreign referees.

"We insist on respecting the Egyptian Pro League (EPL) decisions and reiterate our demand to play tonight's game with foreign officials. If our demands are not met, Ahly will not continue in the league," the club's board said in a statement.

Sticking to their stance, Ahly failed to show up at Cairo Stadium, prompting referee Mahmoud Bassiouny to call off the match 15 minutes after the scheduled kickoff at 9:30 p.m. local time.

The dispute had been brewing for days, with Ahly expressing strong dissatisfaction over recent refereeing performances, alleging bias in previous matches.

The controversy intensified after the EFA assigned a local officiating crew on Monday night, despite prior assurances to the EPL that foreign referees would be used for key fixtures during the league's final phase.

Zamalek, on the other hand, confirmed their readiness to play.

The EFA defended its decision, citing a lack of time to secure foreign officials after the match was scheduled on 5 March.

The playoffs draw, held on Wednesday, had set up an early showdown between the two Cairo giants in the first round.

The game carried significant weight in the title race. Ahly, aiming for a third consecutive championship, trail league leaders Pyramids FC, who have 42 points—three more than Ahly. Zamalek sit in third place with 32 points.

According to EPL regulations adopted this season, any team that withdraws from a match is considered to have forfeited and will be deducted three points. If a team withdraws from the competition after it has started, it faces relegation to the lower division and a two-season ban from the Premier League, along with financial penalties.